| Conservation Clips is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what’s driving conservation. These articles are not indicative of NACD policy and are the opinions of their authors, unless otherwise noted. If you have a relevant submission or need assistance accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
Agriculture Dive: Biden signs funding package to avert shutdown, extend farm bill President Joe Biden signed a short-term funding package on Thursday that includes a one-year farm bill extension. The law, which averts a partial government shutdown, gives agricultural negotiators until Sept. 30, 2024, to pass a farm bill. Congressional leaders and farm groups have said an extension was necessary to provide certainty to farmers and prevent a reversion back to Depression-era law for major agriculture support programs.
WKRN: Invasive tick found in 19 states, including TN, likely to be ‘long-term problem,’ researchers warn An invasive species of tick known as the Asian longhorned tick has been rapidly spreading across Ohio, but it’s also found in at least 18 other states.
Ohio’s Country Journal: EPA pesticide proposal would affect millions of soy acres The Environmental Protection Agency has recently released several proposals regarding its Endangered Species Act commitments under its pesticide program. One such proposal could significantly hinder or prevent pesticide use on close to 13 million acres of cropland, including over five million acres of soybeans. EPA holds responsibility for approving federal registration of pesticides in the United States.
Agriculture Dive: Devising a just transition for sustainable livestock agriculture (Opinion) As national leaders and industry stakeholders prepare to convene on climate change at COP28, frameworks to ensure neither farmers nor ranchers are left behind should be top of mind.
Detroit Free Press: America’s got a $2.5 billion wild hog problem. These states see the worst of it. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, feral hogs cause approximately $2.5 billion in agricultural damages each year. Since their introduction to the U.S. in the 1500’s, the feral swine population have expanded across more than three quarters of the country. According to the Department of Agriculture, their population has grown to more than 9 million. Oklahoma Conservation Commission: Oklahoma Conservation Commission Receives Prestigious Grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation The Oklahoma Conservation Commission (OCC) is proud to announce its recent achievement of being selected as one of the recipients of the 2023 America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) grants, facilitated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF).
Farm and Dairy: Small changes can make a big impact In my position as an outreach technician with Stark Soil and Water Conservation District, I meet many people from across the county who are interested in conservation practices. There is a misconception in the world of conservation that big changes are the only way we can effectively protect the environment. Small changes can have just as much impact as big changes (edited).
NBC Montana: Missoula Conservation District uses grant to restore Pattee Creek The Missoula Conservation District received grant funding from the Department of Environmental Quality in 2023 to improve water quality, stream corridors and riparian habitat throughout Missoula County.
Times-Republican: Local youth wins statewide conservation-themed poster contest Officials with the Tama Soil & Water Conservation District announce Lillia Benner, of Toledo, for being selected one of five statewide winners in the 2023 Conservation Districts of Iowa Poster Contest. Her entry will move on to the national competition, with the results to be announced at the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting in mid-February 2024.
vtdigger: Vermont farmers have struggled with a federal conservation program. A new bill in Congress could help. The 2014 Federal Farm Bill deemed lands under state regulation ineligible for CRP — meaning in states like Vermont, where farm conservation practices are closely regulated, that money was almost impossible to access.
News-Press: Feral hogs are everywhere in Florida, ranked 3rd for most sightings. Is that a problem? One invasive species is becoming one of the top pests in Florida. Hunting and fishing website Captains Experiences shared the Top 15 states with the biggest wild hog populations and problems. Experts used data from the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health to determine the states with the biggest wild hog problem. Florida nabbed the third spot, seeing 1,193 reports of feral hogs last year.
The New York State Senate: Senator Mannion Announces $2,750,000 For The Finger Lakes – Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FLLOWPA) The $2,750,000 in funding will allow FLLOWPA to expand similar efforts to protect water resources in the Lake Ontario watershed basin, including resources for water quality improvement projects. Senator Mannion was joined by Soil and Water Conservation District staff and representatives from the Onondaga County Parks Department who discussed how FLLOWPA funds have been distributed throughout the County to address water quality concerns.
The Express: 2023 Outstanding Conservation Farm Award The Centre County Conservation District presented the 2023 Outstanding Conservation Farm Award to the Rossman Family Farm at the annual Farm City banquet held at the New Hope Lutheran Church on Nov. 2. |